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BEDFORD, N.Y. Gerald H. Porteus of Bedford died Jan. 24 at the age of 91.
Born in the Clason Point neighborhood of Bronx, N.Y., he graduated from Power Memorial High School in Manhattan with honors. He served in the U.S. Navy on a sub-chaser during World War II.
Porteus joined the New York Police Department after the war, serving as a member of the Emergency Service and Harbor Units for most of his 28 years of service. He conducted hundreds of on-water rescues, including airplane crashes and was assigned to security detail for President John F. Kennedy and the Beatles.
In 1965, Porteus was featured in Life Magazine for the arrest of a bank robber who attempted to flee by boat. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Bedford for 46 years. Porteus was an avid reader and conversationalist, remaining updated on current events and always eager to discuss them.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Anne, his daughters Anne Marie (Robert) Shuhy and Lisa Porteus, his sons Gerald (Terry) Porteus, Jr., Thomas Porteus, Greg (Bridget) Porteus, James Porteus and Geoffrey (Kristen) Porteus, 24 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at Oelker-Cox & Sinatra Funeral Home in Mt. Kisco. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Patrick's Church, followed by interment at St. Francis Cemetery.
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